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BCF plans ‘Oak & Vine 2012’ fundraiser
Brandon couple to match funds up to $25,000
By By Jill Meier
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EmailOctober 23. 2012 11:23AM
“Oak & Vine 2012: Growing a Strong Brandon While Toasting Our Blessings” is a fitting theme for a local organization’s first fundraising event since its inception in 2006.
Board members of the Brandon Community Foundation are banking on a large turnout at the Nov. 9 social event, as funds, up to $25,000 will be matched by a Brandon couple, Greg and Sheri Carmon.
“There is no place like Brandon,” said Greg Carmon, who also serves as a Foundation board member. “Giving to the Oak & Vine will support the Brandon Community Foundation in an effort to build the funds that are the perpetual source of grants to local groups working to build a vibrant, caring future for our area and for all who live here, now and forever. The Brandon Community Foundation ensures continuation of the good things happening in the Brandon area so we are giving this gift locally, because there is no place like home.”
“We are blessed to have a $25,000 matching gift that will help us reach our goal,” adds Oak & Vine organizer Becky Blue. “The event will be a fun evening to ‘give back’ to Brandon by raising funds for the Brandon Community Foundation and to celebrate this great community we are all a part of.”
The Nov. 9 casual event will be held at the Brandon Municipal Golf Course banquet room where various food and wine stations will be set up, encouraging guests to move around and mingle. A cash bar will also be available and acoustic music will be provided by Avian Sunrise.
“We hope to make this an annual event where citizens can donate to the work of the Foundation and celebrate together this wonderful community we live in,” Blue said.
In addition to the hors d’oeuvres and wine offerings, a brief program, emceed by Gene Johnson, will highlight the work of the Foundation and how donations help the endowment grow.
Since 2008, $45,600 in grant money has been awarded to non-profit community organizations that provide activities which impact qualify of life through the arts, recreation, health education and public safety.
Last spring, the Foundation awarded nearly $12,000 that was shared by six different organizations. The Brandon Volunteer Fire Department used their funding to purchase a CO-oximeter and the Brandon Valley Ice and In Line Hockey Association directed their grant toward snow removal and ice maintenance equipment. A $2,500 grant awarded to the Mighty Corson Art Players helped them to fund building renovations that include new main floor restrooms and exterior improvements to the Corson theatre.
Johnson said events like this, along with educating the public about the Foundation would help in its continued growth.
“This is something that’s going to take a little time to build,” Johnson said. “Over a period of years as contributions are made and people remember the Foundation, it will grow.”
Johnson encourages residents to remember the Foundation in their estate planning.
“When the fund is at the level it is, it’s hard to do something big, so there should be some efforts made to tell people that it’s there,” he said.
As of June 30, the Brandon Community Foundation’s fund balance stood at just over $310,000.
ABOUT OAK & VINE 2012
Date: Friday, Nov. 9
Where: Brandon Municipal Golf Course Banquet Room
Suggested donation: $125/person or $250/couple. Donations are 80 percent tax deductible.
RSVP: By Oct. 31 to ejhessman@gmail.com or call 360-9882
Facebook: brandoncf.org
Board members of the Brandon Community Foundation are banking on a large turnout at the Nov. 9 social event, as funds, up to $25,000 will be matched by a Brandon couple, Greg and Sheri Carmon.
“There is no place like Brandon,” said Greg Carmon, who also serves as a Foundation board member. “Giving to the Oak & Vine will support the Brandon Community Foundation in an effort to build the funds that are the perpetual source of grants to local groups working to build a vibrant, caring future for our area and for all who live here, now and forever. The Brandon Community Foundation ensures continuation of the good things happening in the Brandon area so we are giving this gift locally, because there is no place like home.”
“We are blessed to have a $25,000 matching gift that will help us reach our goal,” adds Oak & Vine organizer Becky Blue. “The event will be a fun evening to ‘give back’ to Brandon by raising funds for the Brandon Community Foundation and to celebrate this great community we are all a part of.”
The Nov. 9 casual event will be held at the Brandon Municipal Golf Course banquet room where various food and wine stations will be set up, encouraging guests to move around and mingle. A cash bar will also be available and acoustic music will be provided by Avian Sunrise.
“We hope to make this an annual event where citizens can donate to the work of the Foundation and celebrate together this wonderful community we live in,” Blue said.
In addition to the hors d’oeuvres and wine offerings, a brief program, emceed by Gene Johnson, will highlight the work of the Foundation and how donations help the endowment grow.
Since 2008, $45,600 in grant money has been awarded to non-profit community organizations that provide activities which impact qualify of life through the arts, recreation, health education and public safety.
Last spring, the Foundation awarded nearly $12,000 that was shared by six different organizations. The Brandon Volunteer Fire Department used their funding to purchase a CO-oximeter and the Brandon Valley Ice and In Line Hockey Association directed their grant toward snow removal and ice maintenance equipment. A $2,500 grant awarded to the Mighty Corson Art Players helped them to fund building renovations that include new main floor restrooms and exterior improvements to the Corson theatre.
Johnson said events like this, along with educating the public about the Foundation would help in its continued growth.
“This is something that’s going to take a little time to build,” Johnson said. “Over a period of years as contributions are made and people remember the Foundation, it will grow.”
Johnson encourages residents to remember the Foundation in their estate planning.
“When the fund is at the level it is, it’s hard to do something big, so there should be some efforts made to tell people that it’s there,” he said.
As of June 30, the Brandon Community Foundation’s fund balance stood at just over $310,000.
ABOUT OAK & VINE 2012
Date: Friday, Nov. 9
Where: Brandon Municipal Golf Course Banquet Room
Suggested donation: $125/person or $250/couple. Donations are 80 percent tax deductible.
RSVP: By Oct. 31 to ejhessman@gmail.com or call 360-9882
Facebook: brandoncf.org
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